Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2026

DOI

10.37055/pno/221320

Publication Title

Defense Science Review

Volume

2025

Issue

22

Pages

21-48

Abstract

Objectives:
The current European security landscape is characterized by the growing intersection of historical security challenges (i.e., "traditional" security issues) and new forms of hybrid threats. These changes call for a significant re-evaluation of the role of deterrence in today's world. Traditional deterrence approaches have focused on the use of military capability as well as credible retaliatory threats. However, the recent development of hybrid warfare, including cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, economic coercion, and clandestine sabotage has made it increasingly difficult to distinguish between times of war and times of peace. This research argues that existing frameworks for deterring adversaries will increasingly fail to meet the challenges presented by these evolving hybrid threats because most of these frameworks were developed to prevent or mitigate the consequences of traditional conventional and nuclear conflict.

Methods:
Based on qualitative analysis of official documentation and reports from governments, international organizations and other sources, this research explores how European governments and organizations perceive and respond to hybrid threats.

Results:
Findings suggest that hybrid warfare increases the level of uncertainty, misperceptions and risk of escalation associated with the security dilemma. Moreover, findings show that hybrid warfare undermines the credibility of deterrence. As such, the research presents the concept of "multi-domain deterrence," which proposes an integrated approach to preventing hybrid threats through the use of all available tools, including military, economic, technological and information-based mechanisms.

Conclusions:
Overall, the research suggests the need for flexible, resilient and collaborative security approaches that move beyond traditional deterrence models.

ORCID

0009-0006-9633-0945 (Edmond)

Original Publication Citation

Edmond, C. (2026). Hybrid threats and deterrence effectiveness in Europe. Defence Science Review, 2025(22), 21-48. https://doi.org/10.37055/pno/221320

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